Box Compression Test: Keys to Delivering Quality Products

Box compression test is an essential process for assessing the strength and durability of corrugated packaging, ensuring effective transport and storage of goods. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of box compression test, covering everything from the benefits of conducting the test to the various processes involved and the standards that govern it.

What is Box Compression Test?

A Box Compression Test (BCT) is a test that measures the ability of a corrugated box to resist external compressive forces. As one of the important part of package testing, it ensure the quality and strength of a box for shipping and handling purposes.

How Do You Perform A Box Compression Test?

With the box compression tester, you can perform box compression tests. A box compression tester is a machine used to measure the compression strength of corrugated boxes and other types of packaging materials.

To perform a box compression test, follow these steps:

1. Choose a box compression tester that is appropriate for the size and weight of the box you want to test.
2. Place the box on the compression tester platform, making sure it is centered and aligned.
3. Adjust the upper platen of the tester to the height of the box. The upper platen should be in contact with the top of the box, but not pressing down.
4. Activate the tester by pressing the start button or foot pedal. The upper platen will move down and apply a compressive force on the box.
5. Continue applying the compressive force until the box deforms or collapses, or until a predetermined load or deformation value is reached.
6. Record the compression strength and deformation values for the box.

What is Box Compression Strength? And How to Calculate it?

As per modified McKee formula, BCT = K1*ECT*√(T*Z)

Where:
– BCT = Box Compression Strength
– K1 = Box Compression Test Constant (It is a constant value that takes into account the testing conditions. For regular slotted containers, it is typically 5.87)
– W = Width of the box in inches
– ECT = Edge crush test value of the corrugated material in pounds per inch (psi)
– T = Thickness of the corrugated material in inches
– H = perimeter of the box in inches

What Are The Standards To Box Compression Test?

Here are some international standards for box compression testing:

1. ASTM D642: Standard Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads. This standard test method determines the compressive resistance or strength of shipping containers, including corrugated boxes.

2. ISTA 2A – Packaged-Products for Parcel Delivery System Shipment 150 lb (68 kg) or Less

3. TAPPI T804: Standard for Flat Crush Test of Corrugated Board (FCT). This standard test method measures the resistance of corrugated board to the flat crushing force.

4. ISO 12048: Corrugated fibreboard — Determination of the flat crush resistance. This standard specifies a method for determining the flat crush resistance of corrugated fibreboard used in the manufacture of shipping containers.

5. FEFCO 50: Test Method for Box Compression Resistance. This standard is used for the testing of corrugated fibreboard boxes and determines the maximum load a box can withstand before buckling.

6. JIS Z 0202: Corrugated fiberboard – Testing methods. This Japanese Industrial Standard determines the flat crush resistance of corrugated fibreboard, as well as other testing methods for corrugated boxes.

7. DIN EN 22868: Packaging – Complete, filled transport packages and unit loads – Compression test by sine-sweep vibration

These standards provide specific guidelines for conducting box compression testing to ensure the quality and performance of corrugated boxes.